Compression Bridges

Hydraulic grip compression bridges are available for the entire line of SATEC Series static hydraulic testing machines, also known as 5590 series frames. These fixtures are also available for SATEC models known as the HV series of frames.

Each bridge is designed to fit a specific capacity frame and is permanently mounted to the underside of the adjustable crosshead. The bridge spans the hydraulic grip lever arms and allows for the attachment of compression fixtures to the underside of the bridge.

The bridge allows for full use of the tension space without removing fixturing and allows the compression fixturing to remain on the frame when performing tension tests. The compression bridge does take up significantly more compression test space than a spacer assembly. Depending on the compression fixturing used, it may be necessary to increase the tension and compression space of the test frame to accommodate the bridge with fixturing.

The bridge is rated to the full capacity of the frame on which it is used.

Installation requires modification to the adjustable crosshead and to the position limit switch when installed on existing machines.

Principle Of Operation

Hydraulic grip actuators greatly increase the gripping force of in-head grip jaws, but their design interferes with the compression test space. In order to perform compression tests, the lower hydraulic grip lever arm must be removed from the adjustable crosshead.

The use of a hydraulic grip compression bridge allows compression tests to be performed without removing the lever arm or any other tension fixturing.

The bridge is bolted to four columns which are in turn threaded to the underside of the adjustable crosshead.
The bridge has a center through hole that allows compression fixturing to be bolted to the bridge.

A special bridge is also available (W-2589) when spherical tension rods are used on machines with pinion actuators. This bridge mounts directly to the bottom of the lower tension rod to allow the use of compression fixturing without removing the tension rod from the crosshead.

Application Range

Permits the installation of compression fixturing without the need to remove the tensile grips and fixtures